Kevin Durant was immediately linked to the Houston Rockets following their trade for multiple future first round picks originating from the Phoenix Suns, while Adrian Wojnarowski later reported that Devin Booker could also be a target of interest. Booker, however, reportedly has no interest in leaving the Suns.
“Clearly, the player we’re looking at here is Kevin Durant,” said Brian Windhorst on SportsCenter on Wednesday morning. “I know that Woj has brought up Devin Booker. I don’t think Booker has any interest in leaving the Suns.
“The Durant situation is more interesting. He’s got connections to the Rockets. Ime Udoka is his former assistant when he was in Brooklyn. Royal Ivey is one of the closest people he’s got in the NBA, has been for years. He’s an assistant on the Houston staff. And here’s the thing that’s most important I know: that these Nets picks are very valuable. The Rockets want to win now. They’re looking to improve now. They want to be in the playoffs immediately. That’s what this trade enables them to get in position to do.”
Windhorst elaborated on Booker wanting to remain with the Suns later on First Take.
“Devin Booker is fully committed to the Phoenix Suns,” said Windhorst. “That’s where he wants to be. And he’s fully committed to Kevin Durant by the way. They’re looking forward to playing with each other starting next week when they get together for Team USA. They’re looking forward to playing their summer together. So from what I’m told, there’s no issue between KD and Booker. There’s no issue between the Suns and Booker. Booker has moved his entire life to Phoenix. He’s invested there. That’s where he wants to be. But the Rockets did this deal for a reason.”